BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (BBP)

Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV are invisible but exist in droplets of blood. Master the science of barriers, decontamination, and post‑exposure protocol.

🧪 Pathogens · exposure · control

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms in human blood that cause disease. Our training goes beyond definitions: we simulate real‑life scenarios in healthcare, biotech, custodial, and emergency response. Every participant learns the hierarchy of controls — elimination, engineering controls (sharps containers, self‑sheathing needles), work practice controls (hand hygiene, no recapping), and finally PPE.

📋 exposure risk by body fluid

🧤 engineering & work practice controls

• Sharps disposal — puncture‑proof, closable, labeled. never force‑fill.
• Self‑sheathing needles / needleless systems — where available, mandated by OSHA.
• Hand hygiene — immediately after glove removal. Use antiseptic.
• Specimen handling — leakproof containers, secondary containment.
• Contaminated laundry — bagged at location, minimal handling.
• Regulated waste — red bags or biohazard symbols.

🛡️ personal protective equipment (PPE) matrix

Our PPE fundamentals course details each barrier. For BBP: gloves (latex/nitrile), gowns (fluid‑resistant), masks+face shield (if splash), and CPR mouth barriers. We stock pocket masks in every first aid kit — see our CPR page.